Lit Mags
The Uncreation Story of a Black Man
“i must tell you,” a poem from SAVINGS TIME by Roya Marsh
The Uncreation Story of a Black Man
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Listen to Roya Marsh read this poem.
i must tell you
Freddie Gray and i
share the same birthday
i must tell you
this is not the first time
a black man dies
after locking eyes
i must tell you
how blessed we are
to be hashtagged
while breathing
i must tell you
a murderer’s breath is
the homicide note
no one ever writes
i must tell you
this is the uncreation story
of a black man
in a Christ-stained body
i must tell you
Freddie was genesis
& on the 7th day he rested
i must tell you
when the city is on fire
the summer comes early
i must tell you
i smile
in amazement
at fury-lit streets
i must tell you
this poem
is a famished reflection
i must tell you
this poem
has a bellyful
of Black flesh
and bone
i must tell you
this poem
will eat YOU alive
i must tell you
this poem
licks the plate
when it’s done
i must tell you
this poem
is never done
i must tell you
i pray
for the day it will end
i must tell you
when i pray
i keep one eye cracked
&
just a bit of space between my palms
hoping
a bit of God will seep through.
